Armstrong International Airport Sets Passenger Ranking Record

March 26, 2014

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport announces a new passenger enplanement ranking for U.S. Flights that has been reported by the federal agency, Research and Innovative Technology (RITA) Administration Bureau of Transportation Statistics. RITA’s summary data ending on August 31, 2013 has Armstrong International ranked #37 among 812 U.S. airports in domestic enplanements and deplanements. Over the 12 month period of the report, enplanements increased by 3.99% from 4,245,000 to 4,415,000 while deplanements increased 3.81% from 4,248,000 to 4,410,000. Before Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was ranked #40 among the nation’s busiest airports. After the storm, the ranking dropped to #56.

Armstrong International is currently served by 11 air carriers. Carrier shares are reported in the RITA report as follows based on total passengers from July 2012 to August 2013:

Southwest Airlines – 3,081,000 passengers with a 34.91% share

Delta Air Lines – 1,594,000 passengers with a 18.06% share

United Airlines – 1,191,000 passengers with a 13.5% share

American Airlines – 788,000 passengers with a 8.93% share

US Airways – 446,000 passengers with a 5.05% share

Others – 1,726,000 passengers with a 19.55% share

“This type of news is always very positive for New Orleans,” said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “The new ranking indicates that we continue to be a popular destination for business and leisure passengers alike.”

New Orleans Aviation Board Chairwoman Cheryl Teamer said, “The NOAB and staff have set as a goal continued growth in air service for the New Orleans region. This new ranking is a positive indicator that we are moving towards that goal.”

“I am especially pleased with the findings in this report,” said Airport Director of Aviation Iftikhar Ahmad. “We continue to draw air service, while many of our peer airports are in a decline. We appreciate our airline partners and the faith they continue to show in the New Orleans market by adding air service and new non-stop destinations.”